BOSSES at a Blackburn mill which has been a staple employer for more than 20 years today announced 26 job losses and said: "It is a sad day for manufacturing."

Redundancies at Hilden Manufacturing, Britannia Mill, Didsbury Street, have been blamed on falling business and a lack or orders.

The company is now in consultation with workers, who have been given 30 days notice.

Hilden said some staff will lose their jobs by November and others will be laid off days before Christmas.

David Broadhurst, personnel manager for the Hilden group, today said: "It is a gloomy Christmas present for many but there is no good time. Attempts have been made to diversify into other fabrics but we have not managed to lift production."

One section of the mill housing the 'dobbies', which have been running for around ten years, will close completely.

Mattress covers, table cloths and fabrics are produced at the factory which was set to be increased in size five years ago.

The company currently employs around 200 members of staff.

Mr Broadhurst said: "Due to price pressure over the last eighteen months, we have been forced to adapt in out source pricing for a number of products.

"However the company has no choice but to eliminate the loss-making production for the benefit of other sections."

Plans are in the pipeline to use the closed section of the mill as a warehouse and for mattress tickings which will "eventually create new jobs".

One worker, who declined to be named, said: "There is a mixed reaction between the people who have been laid off but there is always a chance in the textile industry in this day and age that your job is not safe.

"It will be sad to see part of the mill close after such a long time."

In 1997 plans were drawn up to double the height of Britannia Mill to 40ft to accommodate new machinery.

But the plans were shelved after residents in nearby Hozier Street objected, and complained about noise and disturbance from the factory.

Mr Broadhurst said: "The textile industry has been struggling for 40 years as we just can not compete with imports at the right price."